The new owners of the future Ace Hardware to be located in the former Dick’s Market on 142^nd Avenue appeared at the Dorr Township Planning Committee to provide information about their project.

No action was requested or taken at the meeting.

A remodeling, not renovation, of the old market will turn the former grocery store into a modern, up-to-date hardware facility. The sign will be changed, as will the entrance way. A 30-x 80-foot exterior garden center with a new inside entrance will be built, along with an inside “mini” lumber area that will sell the most common dimensions of treated and untreated lumber. Customers will also be able to order various quantities   of lumber for delivery.

An area inside the store will sell firearms, ammunition and related items. The firearms area will be similar to the ones in the Rylee’s Ace Hardware in Grand Rapids.

The facility will feature 35,000 to 40,000 items initially and expand as demand dictates.

The store will be named “My Town Ace Hardware,” with the goal being to stock the store with the items required by the shopping history of the customers. The owners said they hope to open in mid- to late March, in time for the spring surge in hardware sales.

PHOTO: New owners of the proposed Ace Hardware store speak to members of the Dorr Township Planning Commission. (Photo courtesy Robert M. Traxler)